A regime of sanctions against the Niger Republic, came into effect early this week with the Nigeria Customs Service preventing the export of fuel, grain and other essential commodities across the Jibia border in Katsina State.

Although the Federal Government made no announcement about imposing sanctions on Niger Republic, the action is coming hot on the heels of that country's suspension from the Economic Community of West African States [ECOWAS] over President Mamadou Tandja's plan to extend his rule beyond the constitutionally stipulated two terms.

Traders at the border said the first signs of trouble were noticed earlier this week when the cross-border trader Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, who dominates business on the Jibia border, was seen withdrawing his trucks and trailers by the dozen.

Customs agents were seen searching every vehicle crossing the Jibia border towards the Nigerien city of Maradi, and they were confiscating everything from fuel and bread to soap and sugar. The border was not closed though, as vehicles were allowed to drive through.